Wednesday 05 April 2017, 18:34

Centurion Fishlock celebrates milestone in style

  • Jessica Fishlock becomes first Welsh player, male or female, to reach 100 caps

  • Wales are in Pot C for upcoming France 2019 qualifying draw

  • **Fishlock is the player-manager for Melbourne City

**

Wales captain Jessica Fishlock became the first player, male or female, from the country to reach 100 appearances, and she marked the occasion by scoring in a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in a friendly.

Fishlock scored in the 39th minute with a stunning volley at the Centre for Sporting Excellence at Ystrad Mynach in the first of two friendlies against Northern Ireland.

Speaking before the friendly, former Wales manager Jarmo Matikainen spoke about Fishlock's historic career: "She made a big impression on me from the very start. Jess has this fantastic passion for playing for Wales, and she was brilliant for us in that respect. Playing for her country is so important to her. She has this incredible respect for what it means to represent her country, and her commitment to Wales is admirable."

Next on the horizon for Fishlock and Wales is the group stage draw for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup European qualIfiers on 25 April. Fishlock, who made her Wales debut in 2006, still has her sights set on leading her country to a first major international tournament.

"I’ve had girls come up to me and say I’m their inspiration,” she told the Guadian. “To have a positive impact on the next generation of female footballers is amazing.”